F-16 Fighting Falcon News

UAE's F-16 Block 60 crashes, pilot survives

January 9, 2006 (by Lieven Dewitte) - An F-16 block 60 of the United Arab Emirates Air Force crashed on Monday morning near Al Ain International Airport. The pilot (USAF) survived the crash but got reportedly injured after ejection.

The pilot landed safely after ejecting from the crashing plane (RE-27).

The F-16 fighter jet belonged to a team participating in Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2006, which starts tomorrow.

Eyewitnesses said the pilot was practicing for the air show around midday over a desert area close to the airport.

The plane crashed between the dunes, and emergency services rushed to the spot.

The UAE authorities started investigations to determine the exact cause of the accident.